Siegbert Janko, the cultural director of Linz since 1985, was the driving factor behind the Pflasterspektakel. He attributes the inspiration to his recollections of the "Djemaa el Fna" market in Marrakesh, which he witnessed during the birthday celebrations of Moroccan King Hassan II in 1985.
This year, Pflasterspektakel Linz will take place between July 21 and July 23. This festival, which translates to ‘pavement spectacle’ in German, brings together, for three days each July, dancers, mimes, musicians, high-wire walkers, comedians, fire twirlers, acrobats, and other performers who defy categorization and occasionally gravity. Pflasterspektakel transforms three summer days into a citywide “Cirque du Soleil.”The heart of it all is Hauptplatz, a vast and magnificent city plaza dominated by the 60-foot-tall Trinity Column, which commemorates the victims of the Black Plague. More than two hundred thousand people defied the inclement weather in Linz to view the colourfully costumed artists.
Siegbert Janko, the cultural director of Linz since 1985, was the driving factor behind the Pflasterspektakel. He attributes the inspiration to his recollections of the “Djemaa el Fna” market in Marrakesh, which he witnessed during the birthday celebrations of Moroccan King Hassan II in 1985. Internationale Straßenmusikantentage was the name of the first festival, which took place from July 16 to July 19, 1987. A Munich samba ensemble was among the 150 performers, the majority of whom were from Austria and Germany.
The following year, the Linz Pflasterspektakel was revived, this time under its current name and featuring acrobats, magicians, and mimes in addition to musicians. In 1989, just prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, Eastern Bloc performers performed in Linz. Due to the excessive number of submissions, the organisers had to narrow the pool of artists for that year. In 2000 and several subsequent years, more than 250,000 people attended the Pflasterspektakel to witness international artists.
The Pflasterspektakel begins with an inauguration ceremony at 4 p.m. on a Thursday; the festival itself begins at 2 p.m. on the following Friday and Saturday. Daily, the bar shutters at midnight, but some musicians continue to perform in pubs until 1 a.m. Saturday evening, as is customary, organically formed groups of artists perform an improvised finale in the main square. There will be performances in over 40 locations throughout Linz, including the Landstraße and the city’s central plaza. In one of two courtyards, musicians who wish to perform a cappella or acoustic are welcome. During inclement weather, the event is relocated indoors to venues such as the ancient city hall.
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Over 100 artist organisations from over 40 countries will converge on the lovely city of Linz for the festival. This weekend’s exceptional street theatre is certain to astound you.
The artists are only reimbursed for their travel expenses, lodging, and a daily stipend of 25 euros. Please consider donating to support them, as their primary source of revenue is visitor contributions.
If you are a talented artist, you should contemplate performing. This festival can be celebrated by witnessing the event and performing in the performance.
The event is sponsored by the municipality, “LINZ AG,” local periodicals, and a bank.
At multiple locations in the city centre of Linz, spectators of all ages can anticipate a free, entertaining programme.
If rain threatens to deluge the sidewalks and streets, the performers must relocate to indoor venues, such as the Old City Hall Linz and the Taubenmarkt Arkade.
The vivacious artists, who hail from all over the world, must audition well in advance of the event; the competition is intense, with hundreds vying for official seats.
During the nightline segment of the event, musicians perform in the pubs encircling the Hauptplatz until the wee hours of the morning.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 15 | Friday |
| 2023 | July 21 | Friday |
| 2024 | July 19 | Friday |
| 2025 | July 18 | Friday |
| 2026 | July 17 | Friday |
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